Take care of yourself. Parents who are stressed tend to pass some of that stress on to their babies. And stress can slow brain development. So take some time for yourself. Find people who can support you as a parent. Talk to other parents about their experiences. The better you take care of yourself, the better equipped you will be to care for your baby.
Get the information you need. Many resources are available to answer your questions about child development. Your pediatrician can answer many questions. Your child-care provider or local librarian may be able to suggest good books on child development. And the Family and Consumer Sciences agent in your county Extension Service office can give you more information on parenting. Don?t hesitate to ask questions!
Remember, it's never too late! The brain never stops developing. Children and adults of all ages can learn from new experiences.
Selected References:
DeBord, K. (1997). Brain development. [Extension Publication]. Raleigh, NC: North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.
Jensen, E. (1998). Teaching with the brain in mind. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Short, R. (1997). Rethinking the brain: New insights into early development. New York: Families and Work Institute.
Copyright © Diane Bales. Permission to republish granted to Pregnancy.org, LLC.
Comments
I have been considering teaching my baby how to read. This will not be something I force upon her. But it will be something I try out, as I have seen it happen with other babies.